Despite a few teases on Twitter, we still can’t confirm that a new M.I.A. album is due in June, but something does appear to be brewing for this summer. The Scenestar reports that M.I.A. will perform at the Cornfields of Los Angeles State Historic Park on July 17, according to a twitpic/poster/announcement from HARD, whose website also states that Ms. Arulpragasam will perform in New York City on July 24.
Details are scant regarding the latter gig, but tickets will go on sale for the LA show starting next Friday (Mar. 26) via Groove Tickets here.
In other “M.I.A. is back!” news, Pitchfork is reporting today that Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells, one of the most deservedly hyped acts around the blogosphere, IMO, have teamed up with M.I.A.’s NEET label and Mom & Pop Records to release their debut album, Treats, on May 11.